No voter has given me a mandate to sit in the opposition - Slesers

RIGA - Voters have entrusted Ainars Slesers, leader of the Latvia First (LPV) party, with the task of taking power rather than remaining in the opposition, the politician stated in an episode of LETA's pre-election broadcast called What Was That All About?, explaining his decision to run again in the Saeima elections.

"No voter has given me a mandate to sit in the opposition and let this country be plundered," said Slesers.

The politician was asked what the mandate entrusted to him by voters means to him, given his move from the Saeima to the Riga City Council and his current bid to return to parliament.

Slesers explained that his promise not to run in the Saeima elections was contingent on him becoming mayor of Riga. Since that did not happen, he now sees his role as leading LPV to victory in the parliamentary elections.

According to Slesers, his candidacy in the Riga City Council elections was a party decision intended to ensure a successful start in the municipal elections.

When asked about guarantees for voters in the event that LPV does not yet again receive sufficient support to form a government after the upcoming elections, Slesers urged people to stop talking about guarantees and stated that his voters understand what he is doing.

The politician did not make a specific commitment to remain in the Saeima even if the party did not enter the government. He repeatedly emphasized that his goal is to replace the current government.

Speaking about a possible coalition, Slesers ruled out cooperation with New Unity, The Progressives, and Sovereign Power. He described his preferred solution as a government formed by the two parties that won the election.